MFP in trouble

MFP in trouble

By Liam Mitchell

ADELAIDE — The multi-function polis (MFP) project is in deep trouble following criticisms of the Bannon government's environmental impact statement and brawling between the state government and opposition over funding.

The Liberal opposition wants greater government control of MFP funding and organisation, while the Bannon government proposes merely to select MFP Corporation executive officers and then give the corporation free rein.

As a result, debate over the MFP has resurfaced, drawing attention to the fact that only the vaguest plans appear to exist. Meanwhile, the SA Conservation Council has severely criticised the government's EIS on the proposed Gillman site, which includes environmentally important mangrove swamp as well as an area polluted by toxic wastes.

Conservation Council president David Shearman describes the EIS as a farce, saying it has not adequately dealt with the issues of soil contamination and radioactive wastes at Gillman. The statement admits that limited sampling had not determined whether there are "significantly polluted" areas at the site.

Japanese financial backers of the project have become nervous over delays in the establishment of the MFP Corporation and decisions on funding.

From GLW issue 51